Display lighting

ABSTRACT

A lighting system ( 1 ) for display cases ( 2 ), namely jewelry display cases, comprising a strip of lights ( 3 ) that move back and forth or oscillate in a predetermined motion to create a sparkling effect on diamonds and other gem stones.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for illuminating jewellery and gem stones, especially diamonds, in a display case in a manner which makes the gem stones sparkle to attract consumers to the display case.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Buying gemstones, especially diamonds, can be intimidating for many consumers because there are many factors to consider, such as clarity, color and cut. The latter also affects the sellers of the diamonds, especially with regard to marketing, because they have to attract customers to their inventory of diamonds and other jewelry. This is accomplished with common marketing methods, such as the use of lighted display cases.

However, conventional lighted display cases do not fully show the clarity and brilliance of diamonds and other gem stones from a distance and thus do not attract consumers to a jewelry store, particularly while shopping in a pedestrian mall when there is usually much competition between different jewelry stores for proposed purchasers. Thus, the display of such gem stones and jewelry is important to catch a buyer's eye.

Therefore, a need exists for a lighted display case that accentuates the gem stones and jewelry contained therein and attracts a prospective customer's attention to those products.

The relevant prior art includes the following references:

Patent No. Inventor Issue/Publication Date (U.S. Patent References) 6,433,483 Michael et al. Aug. 13, 2002 2008/0012722 Moseley Jan. 17, 2008 (Foreign Patent References) WO2006/056019 Holloway Jun. 01, 2006 WO2009/014387 Yoo Jan. 29, 2009 WO2010/010375 Gaukroger Jan. 28, 2010 EP2584253 Kerpe Apr. 24, 2013

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide lighting for a display case that accentuates the gem stones and jewelry contained therein and attracts a prospective customer's attention to those products.

The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a lighting system for display cases, namely jewelry display cases, comprising a strip of lights that move or oscillate back and forth to create a sparkling effect on diamonds and other gem stones. The present invention may contain lights which move or that activate individually in an oscillating manner based on a predetermined time system that is controlled by a computer chip or central processor.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a front view of a lighting system of the present invention for display cases having a linear configuration;

FIG. 1B is a front view of a lighting system of the present invention for display cases having a circular configuration;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a lighting system of the present invention for display cases;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a lighting system of the present invention wherein the illumination of lights in an oscillating manner has control means; and

FIG. 4 is a lighting system and display case of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered accessories in the drawings is as follows:

-   -   1. lighting system, generally     -   2. display case     -   3. strip of lights     -   4. light     -   5. track     -   6. motor     -   7. power source     -   8. means for controlling flashing

With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, a front view of a lighting system 1 of the present invention for display cases is illustrated and a block diagram of a lighting system 1 of the present invention for display cases is illustrated, respectively. The lighting system 1 for display cases 2 (as illustrated in FIG. 4), namely jewelry display cases, comprises a strip of lights 3 that move or oscillate back and forth to create a sparkling effect for diamonds and other gem stones. The strip of lights 3 comprises one or more lights 4 mounted to a planar surface that may be contained in a track 5 mounted in a display case 2. The strip of lights 3 moves back and forth laterally in the track 5 via a motor 6, such as a servo motor, all of which is powered by a power source 7. As the strip of lights 3 moves back and forth within the track 5, the gem stones contained in the cabinet are illuminated and caused to sparkle. The strip of lights 3 may also be arranged in a circular fashion (as illustrated in FIG. 1B) either in a circular track, or as an array of lights that fit into a light socket and spin or flash on and off.

With reference to FIG. 3, a block diagram of a lighting system 1 of the present invention, wherein illumination of lights in an oscillating manner is controlled by various means, such as a computer chip 8, is illustrated. The strip of lights 3 comprises one or more lights 4 (as illustrated in FIG. 1) that may be mounted in a display case 2. The strip of lights 3 is powered by a power source 7. A central means controls flashing of lights in a predetermined manner of flashing the one or more lights 4. The means for controlling flashing 8 may be a computer chip, central processer, bimetallic strip, electrical circuit, relay and equivalent device that cause the lights to flash, thereby causing any gem stones in the display case can sparkle.

With reference to FIG. 4, a lighting system 1 and display case 2 of the present invention are illustrated. The lighting system 1 is preferably mounted with the display case 2 in a position that is superior to the gem stones being displayed, thereby allowing the moving or flashing lights to shine downward on the gem stones to result in a sparkling effect.

It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings. 

Having thus described my invention, I claim:
 1. A lighting system for a display case comprising: a strip having one or more lights mounted on a planar surface within a track within which the strip is contained; a motor to move the strip back and forth within the track; and a power source to power the one or more lights and the motor.
 2. The lighting system for a display case of claim 1 wherein: the track is mounted in the display case superior to where products are displayed within the display case.
 3. The lighting system for a display case of claim 1 wherein: the strip is circular.
 4. A lighting system for a display case comprising: a strip having one or more lights mounted on a planar surface; the one or more lights are powered by a power source; and a means for controlling illumination of the one or more lights so the lights cause any gem stones displayed to sparkle.
 5. The lighting system for a display case of claim 4 wherein: the strip is mounted in the display case superior to where products are be displayed within the display case.
 6. The lighting system for a display case of claim 4 wherein: the means for controlling illuminating is a computer chip.
 7. The lighting system for a display case of claim 4 wherein: the means for controlling illuminating is a central processor.
 8. The lighting system for display a case a of claim 4 wherein: the means for controlling illumination is a bimetallic strip.
 9. The lighting system for a display case of claim 4 wherein: the strip is circular. 